Cook the Pasta:

• In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente as per package instructions. This ensures the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight bite, preventing it from becoming mushy.
• Drain and set aside. This prevents the pasta from overcooking and becoming mushy while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Cook the Chicken:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and browns nicely, creating a flavorful crust.
• Season evenly with paprika, garlic salt, salt, and pepper. This adds flavor to the chicken and enhances its natural taste, ensuring a delicious outcome.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden. This ensures the chicken is browned and cooked on one side, creating a flavorful exterior.
• Add 2 tablespoons of cowboy butter to the skillet. This adds flavor and richness to the chicken, infusing it with the zesty cowboy butter flavor.
• Flip chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), about another 3-4 minutes. This ensures the chicken is cooked safely and thoroughly, preventing foodborne illness.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, covering it to keep warm. This prevents the chicken from drying out while you prepare the sauce, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.
• Note: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the safest way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Make the Sauce:

• Lower heat to low, add remaining cowboy butter, heavy cream, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes. This creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that is the heart of the dish.
• Stir, scraping up browned bits from the pan. This adds depth of flavor to the sauce, incorporating the flavorful fond from the chicken.

Combine Pasta and Chicken:

• Add cooked linguine and chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. This ensures the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the creamy cowboy butter sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Stir in lemon juice. This adds a touch of acidity and brightens the sauce, balancing the richness and adding a refreshing note.

Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley before serving. This adds a fresh, vibrant garnish and completes the dish, enhancing both flavor and presentation.